Pakistan stocks close at 169,969 after trimming intraday gains amid profit-taking and geopolitical concerns
The KSE-100 Index gained 1.12% intraday on selective buying but pared most of its gains as profit-taking and geopolitical concerns surrounding the US-Iran conflict weighed on sentiment, closing 368.92 points, or 0.22%, higher at 169,969.32.
The benchmark index had climbed to stronger levels during the session as investors accumulated selected stocks, but selling pressure later reduced the gains. Market sentiment remained cautious amid uncertainty surrounding developments in the Middle East.
KSE-100 Performance
The KSE-100 started the session on a firmer note, supported by buying in selected heavyweight stocks. However, profit-taking emerged as the index moved higher, limiting the overall advance by the close.
The index settled at 169,969.32 points, compared with the previous close, recording a gain of 368.92 points or 0.22% on a day-on-day basis.
HBL, MEBL Lead Positive Contribution
HBL, MEBL, LUCK, FATIMA and FFC were the leading positive contributors to the benchmark. Collectively, the five stocks added around 311 points to the KSE-100 Index.
The gains in these heavyweight names provided support to the broader market and helped the benchmark maintain positive territory despite late-session profit-taking.
Trading Activity
Trading activity remained relatively active during the session, with 588 million shares changing hands at a total traded value of approximately PKR20 billion.
PIBTL recorded the highest traded value at PKR1.07 billion, followed by UBL at PKR710 million, ATRL at PKR706 million, OGDC at PKR575 million and PPL at PKR548 million.
The market continued to track developments in global oil prices and geopolitical conditions, with investor positioning remaining sensitive to potential changes in regional tensions and their implications for Pakistan’s external account and broader economic outlook.
The session ended with the benchmark higher, although the sharp reduction from its intraday gain reflected continued caution among investors amid geopolitical uncertainty and profit-taking at elevated levels.